3/1/2005

It is critically important that when non-immigrants depart from the U.S., they surrender I-94 or other record of departure to the immigration inspectors at the port of entry.

The DHS states that, if you returned home with your I-94 or I-94W still in your passport, your departure was not properly recorded. It is your responsibility to provide the DHS sufficient information to properly record your timely departure from the United States.

  If you do not show a timely departure from the U.S., or if you cannot reasonably prove so when you next seek entry into the U.S., the DHS may conclude you remained in the U.S. beyond your authorized stay. If so, your visa may be cancelled, your entry into the U.S. may be barred and you may be returned immediately to your foreign point of origin. One option in such situation is to visit and surrender the I-94 or I-94W to the American Consulate in the area immediately.

Please make it sure that you keep a photo copy (front and rear) and preserve other evidence of departure from the U.S. including flight ticket, boarding pass, evidence of entry to a foreign country and evidence of stay outside of the U.S.